Report by Tony Dolbear

In the end, just about everyone went home from Gander Green Lane satisfied on Monday as Aldershot gained the point they needed to confirm their status as Ryman League champions, although even that wasn't ultimately necessary as Canvey Island were beaten at Billericay, but Sutton lost nothing in comparison with their visitors and were worth at least the draw.

With Eddie Akuamoah fit again but goalkeeper Tom Dunn joining the casualty list U's could have made the afternoon an anxious one for Aldershot but missed a golden chance inside the first two minutes. Danny Bolt's free kick evaded everyone but Scott Corbett failed to get a touch inside the six yard box when any sort of contact would have been enough. U's then lost Danny Hodges with a thigh muscle injury, but more than matched the opposition in a fairly even first half. Craig Brown had a volley blocked and goalkeeper Nikki Bull dived to push a Bolt cross away from Corbett, injuring himself sufficiently for Gareth Howells to be called in to action early in the second half.

A good performance from U's young defence meant that Aldershot's main threat came from corners, as Dominic Sterling headed one in to the net only for referee Simon Beck to penalise him for pushing, and Steve Perkins headed another against the bar on the half hour. Soon after Howells' arrival Mark Watson hit the side netting with a fierce 20 yard shot taken early, but on the hour Aldershot achieved the breakthrough. A free kick in to U's penalty area wasn't well dealt with, and in the scramble the ball fell for Roscoe D'Sane who fired low past the helpless Jamie Ribolla to spark rejoicing among the large contingent of visiting supporters who sensed the championship to be closer than ever. It was harsh on U's to be behind, but they replied thrillingly within a minute to have their own supporters on their feet. Nick Bailey picked up the ball inside the Aldershot half, and was given space to run at the defence. He capitalised superbly, and from just outside the penalty area let fly a dipping shot which gave Howells no chance. After that either side could have won, with Watson heading over from a fine left wing cross from Brown, and then just failing to reach another teasing free kick from Bolt. At the other end D'Sane looked odds on to restore Aldershot's lead when he went clear and rounded Ribolla, but Ryan Palmer produced a piece of defending to match any seen on the ground this season to clear D'Sane's shot off the line. The clearest chance fell to Aldershot substitute Lee Charles, but he sidefooted wide from a low cross when it seemed impossible to miss. As news of Canvey's defeat at Billericay spread round the ground Aldershot were happy to play out time before the final whistle allowed their players and supporters to share in the championship celebrations.

Sutton: T Dunn, D Brooker, D Hamlin(D Beale 81), R Palmer, D Hodges(N Drew 7), N Bailey, D Bolt, S Corbett, C Brown, M Watson, E Akuamoah Subs n/u M Gray, M Hanlan. Goal: Bailey(61).

Aldershot: N Bull(G Howells 51), D Hooper, J Nutter, J Cosuins, D Sterling, S Perkins(L Charles 55), N Roddis, L Holsgrove, A McLean(S Browne 64), R D'Sane, P Buckle. Subs n/u N Sowden, L Walken. Goal: D'Sane(60)

Referee: S Beck Attendance: 2,002